Mk1 Roomster

AFTER a 25-year absence in Australia, Volkswagen’s Czech brand Skoda was relaunched in October 2007.

Leading the charge were the Roomster and mid-sized Octavia – two four-cylinder engined models aimed at buyers seeking European style at Japanese prices.

The Roomster is a distinctively designed, front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback in the Renault Scenic vein, meaning it has flexible and removable rear seating and up to 1780 litres of cargo space.

Underneath, the Roomster employs the Volkswagen Polo-based Fabia light car’s front suspension, and a derivation of the 1997—2003 Volkswagen MK4 Golf’s rear arrangement.

A single, well-equipped model is offered, in a choice of three 77kW drivetrain configurations – a 153Nm 1.6-litre petrol powerplant available in either five-speed manual ($26,990) or six-speed Tiptronic automatic ($29,290) guises, or a 240Nm 1.9-litre TDI turbo-diesel with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Stability control, six airbags, climate control air-conditioning, remote central locking, cruise control, alloy wheels, power windows and a trip computer are standard.

Besides value, a five-star ENCAP safety rating, Volkswagen group ownership, German technology and high owner satisfaction results in Europe will help sell cars, according to Skoda senior personnel.